Camp Olowalu on Maui: a Camping Resort and Beach Destination all in One

Camping on Maui doesn’t always mean a tent in a weird campground in an inconvenient place. It also can be a great campground resort setup, like Camp Olowalu between Kihei and Lahaina. After enjoying camping on Haleakala at the Hosmer Grove Campground which was a barebones camping experience, camping at Camp Olowalu felt like luxury. We had been here before, but only accidentally so camping was a completely different experience.

We’ve got the full scoop on what to pack and plan for and what to expect with camping at Camp Olowalu on Maui. If you’ve been thinking about what sort of camping experience you want or if you’re looking for a really budget stay on Maui, this is a great option. Please let us know if you have any questions about camping at Camp Olowalu or planning your time on Maui by leaving a comment or sending us a note. We love this island and are happy to help others plan an unforgettable Aloha trip!

Why Stay at Camp Olowalu

We’ve enjoyed snorkeling off Olowalu plenty but had never stayed here until recently. Before I get into the camping aspect, know that snorkeling at Olowalu Beach and this part of the coast is some of the best on Maui and is our family’s favorite. Now, add to that a campground and easy beach access and you’ll be ready to book it.

Having said that, there are some things to know about booking a stay at Camp Olowalu. There are different options when you’re planning your Maui camping experience. Camp Olowalu has tent campsites, tentalows (mix of a bungalow and a yurt) and cabins. Depending on your gear, your group and the availability you can have whatever sort of Maui camping trip you desire

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Camping Options at Camp Olowalu

For tent camping, it’s important to know that your parking isn’t directly next to your campsite, so you have an 80 yard or so walk from your vehicle to your campsite. The campground area is very nice though and can be either very community oriented or single family camping. The cabins are situated away from the camping, with direct beach access. Cabins definitely are set up to be a group situation, but if you can book a singular cabin you’ll still have a lovely time. It’s such a cool set up.

The winner for coolest accommodations at Camp Olowalu though are the tentalows. Canvas camping tents set on elevated platforms, the tentalows are really cool! We had a front porch, twin beds with linens and the best part, a private outdoor shower area. Our restroom was detatched as a central location with keyed entry, but very nice and very well maintained. I really enjoyed feeling like I was “roughing it” but also after camping at Haleakala just before, it was so nice to have a bed to sleep on. The tentalows are good for two people or you can book a family tentalow for four people. I really like the setup with the sleeping area, shower/sink area and detached bathroom, but also there is a picnic table and campfire spot available for campers too. It’s a really cool place and staying at Camp Olowalu is a wonderfully unique Maui camping experience.

Camp Olowalu Amenities

The main attraction for us staying at Camp Olowalu is getting to camp right at our favorite Maui snorkeling beach, but there is more to it. Camp Olowalu has walking trails, beach access, kayak and SUP rentals, bocce ball courts, a beach volleyball area and more. It’s a full campground like you’d find in California or Florida with the bonus of an amazing reef that is easily accessed. There _______ a pool, but the ocean is right there too, so you’ll have fan anyways.

Dining and Food Option when at Camp Olowalu

Camp Olowalu is very much a campground resort. It’s not a vacation destination or Maui resort like you might think. Staying here, you’ll have the chance to use the outdoor grills and picnic tables. You’ll be able to make your morning coffee and then walk to the beach. There is no other dining on property than what you bring. When the camping options are tight or if we have a lot planned, I like to pack the easiest meal options possible.

For camping on Maui that includes getting musuabi or other grocery options that are simple, and then doing as little cooking as possible. At Camp Olowalu there are some great food trucks across the street, bit not within the campground. If you’re crossing the street, you’ll find awesome tacos, woodfired pizzas and a farmers market (and they even have Maui Gold pineapples!).

Need to Know for Staying at Camp Olowalu

I really do love the camping experience at Olowalu and getting to wake up and head directly to the beach, but there are a few things to know. There aren’t many options for camping on Maui, so when you find it it’s a godsend. Camp Olowalu is fun but it’s not perfect. The Maui camping resort is located just off the highway to Lahaina so there is a steady traffic noise to consider. For guests that live in a city and are camping here, they may not even realize that there is traffic noise, but I did.

Another thing to consider is convenience. While both Kihei and Lahaina aren’t crazy far from Camp Olowalu, they also aren’t directly next door. When it comes to dining out, if that’s your plan, Lahaina is about 20 minutes away and options are quite limited since the big fire in 2023. Kihei is about a half hour away and has many more dining options, but then you also have the drive. Either way, the island vibes and attitude of camping on Maui is super chill, so please try to not feel inconvenienced by the location. It’s a fun, special experience.

Activities and Sights Near Camp Olowalu

Since a lot of people plan their activities to include things to do where they’re staying, let’s take that approach here at Camp Olowalu. Here are some great ideas for things to do at and near the camp, including side trips to Kihei, Lahaina, Makawao and Wailuku.

• Snorkeling at Olowalu Beach
• Birdwatching at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
• Hiking at Iao Valley State Park
• Maui Chocolate Tour in Lahaina
• Beach day at Baldwin Beach Park
• Walk around Paia and Makawao
• Maui Gold Pineapple Tour
• Visit the Maui Ocean Center
• Whale watching from Maalaea
• Day trip to Haleakala National Park